U.S. patent number 7,631,895 [Application Number 12/035,051] was granted by the patent office on 2009-12-15 for airbag module.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Takata-Petri AG. Invention is credited to Ingo Kalliske, Friederike Keudel, Makoto Ogawa.
United States Patent |
7,631,895 |
Kalliske , et al. |
December 15, 2009 |
Airbag module
Abstract
An airbag module includes an airbag with two sections that can
be inflated to restrain a vehicle occupant. The inflated airbag
defines a gap separating the two sections from each other on a
front side of the airbag facing the vehicle occupant. A maximum
distance between the airbag sections is dependent on a degree the
airbag is filled with the distance decreasing as the airbag is
filled. The airbag module also includes a strap at least partially
fastened to an outer skin of the airbag. The strap includes at
least a first and a second section of variable length. The length
of the first section increases or decreases to the extent the
length of the second section decreases or increases. The length of
the second section defines the maximum distance between the airbag
sections.
Inventors: |
Kalliske; Ingo (Potsdam,
DE), Keudel; Friederike (Lorrach-Brombach,
DE), Ogawa; Makoto (Shiga, JP) |
Assignee: |
Takata-Petri AG (Aschaffenburg,
DE)
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Family
ID: |
37253916 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/035,051 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2008 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20080203710 A1 |
Aug 28, 2008 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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PCT/DE2006/001445 |
Aug 15, 2006 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Aug 25, 2005 [DE] |
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20 2005 013 064 |
Mar 8, 2006 [DE] |
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10 2006 011 058 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/743.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R
21/233 (20130101); B60R 21/2338 (20130101); B60R
2021/23386 (20130101); B60R 2021/23382 (20130101); B60R
2021/0044 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60R
21/16 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;280/743.1,743.2 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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201 02 115 |
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Aug 2001 |
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DE |
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1 364 838 |
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Nov 2003 |
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EP |
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1 364 840 |
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Nov 2003 |
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EP |
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1 231 116 |
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Sep 2004 |
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EP |
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1 452 403 |
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Sep 2004 |
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EP |
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1 580 083 |
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Sep 2005 |
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EP |
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WO 02/02376 |
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Jan 2002 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Fleming; Faye M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Foley & Lardner LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
This application is a Continuation of International Application
PCT/DE2006/001445, filed Aug. 15, 2006, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety. This International Application
was not published in English but was published in German as WO
2007/022758.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An airbag module comprising: an airbag including two sections
that can be inflated to restrain a vehicle occupant, wherein the
inflated airbag defines a gap that runs through the two airbag
sections separating the two sections from each other on a front
side of the airbag facing the vehicle occupant, and wherein a
maximum distance between inner sides of the airbag sections that
are adjacent to the gap is dependent on a degree the airbag is
filled, the distance decreasing as the airbag is filled, and a
strap at least partially fastened to an outer skin of the airbag
comprising at least a first and a second section of variable
length, wherein the length of the first section increases or
decreases to the extent the length of the second section decreases
or increases, and wherein the length of the second section defines
the maximum distance between the inner sides of the airbag
sections.
2. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of
the first section increases with increased filling of the airbag
and the length of the second section decreases with increased
filling of the airbag.
3. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strap is
connected to at least a first point of the first airbag section, to
at least a second point to the second airbag section, and to at
least a third point of the airbag or another element of the airbag
module.
4. The airbag module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the strap is
fixed at one end to a first fastening point of the airbag or of
another element of the airbag module, the strap is fixed at a
distal end to a second fastening point of the first airbag section
and deflects at a deflection point defined on the second airbag
section between the fastening points, the first section being
defined between the first fastening point and the deflection point
and the second section being defined between the deflection point
and the second fastening point.
5. The airbag module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the deflection
point is defined on the airbag by a loop or eyelet through which
the strap extends.
6. The airbag module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first
fastening point position is essentially unchanged after the airbag
is inflated.
7. The airbag module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first
fastening point position does not come into contact with the
inflating airbag.
8. The airbag module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the deflection
point and the second fastening point are each defined in a front
region of the airbag sections, the front region facing the vehicle
occupant.
9. The airbag module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the strap
defines a closed loop and is connected to the airbag or to other
elements of the airbag module either via two deflection points and
a fastening point or via three deflection points.
10. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two airbag
sections are defined by two airbag chambers that converge on rear
sides that face away from the vehicle occupant.
11. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strap
comprises a fabric strip.
12. An airbag module, comprising: an airbag including two sections
that can be inflated to restrain a vehicle occupant, wherein the
inflated airbag defines a gap that runs through the two airbag
sections separating the two airbag sections from each other on a
front side of the airbag facing the vehicle occupant, wherein a
maximum distance between inner sides of the airbag sections that
are adjacent to the gap is dependent on a degree the airbag is
filled, the distance decreasing as the airbag is filled, and at
least one strap that connects the two airbag sections to each
other, wherein each airbag section comprising an inner strap that
interacts with an outer strap that connects the two airbag
sections, wherein the outer strap extends within each airbag
section in a fabric tube that is not connected to an interior of
the airbag chambers.
13. The airbag module as claimed in claim 12, wherein the inner and
outer straps define the maximum distance between an outer side of
one airbag section that faces away from the gap and an outer side
of the other airbag section that faces away from the gap, wherein
the inner sides of the airbag sections are adjacent to the gap and
move towards one another as the airbag is filled.
14. The airbag module as claimed in claim 12, wherein the inner
strap extends in an interior of the airbag from a fastening point
on an inner side of one airbag section that faces the gap to an
outer side of the airbag section that faces away from the gap, the
inner strap deflects at an inner deflection device and is connected
to one end of the outer strap.
15. The airbag module as claimed in claim 12, wherein one end of
the inner strap, one end of the fabric tube, and one end of the
outer strap are connected to one another in a sewn together
connecting region in each airbag section.
16. The airbag module as claimed in claim 12, wherein the inner
strap and the outer strap are defined integrally as a single
strap.
17. The airbag module as claimed in claim 12, wherein the fabric
tube of each airbag section is connected at an end located in an
interior of the respective airbag section to the strap in a
gas-tight manner.
18. An airbag module, comprising: an airbag including two airbag
sections that can be inflated to restrain a vehicle occupant,
wherein the inflated airbag defines a gap that runs between the two
airbag sections and separates the two airbag sections from each
other on a front side of the airbag facing the vehicle occupant,
wherein a maximum distance between inner sides of the airbag
sections that are adjacent to the gap is dependent on a degree the
airbag is filled, the distance decreasing as the airbag is filled,
and two straps, wherein one end of one strap being fixed on an
outer side of one airbag section facing away from the gap and the
other end of the one strap being fixed on an inner side of the
other airbag section facing the gap, wherein one end of the other
strap is fixed on an outer side of the other airbag section facing
away from the gap and the other end of the other strap being fixed
on an inner side of the one airbag section facing the gap, and
wherein the two straps run between fastening points on the outer
side of the airbag sections and each strap runs along a front
region of the airbag sections that faces a vehicle occupant.
19. An airbag module, comprising: an airbag including two airbag
sections that can be inflated to restrain a vehicle occupant,
wherein the inflated airbag defines a gap that runs between the two
airbag sections separating the two airbag sections from each other
on a front side of the airbag facing the vehicle occupant, wherein
a maximum distance between inner sides of the airbag sections that
are adjacent to the gap is dependent on a degree the airbag is
filled, the distance decreasing as the airbag fills, and a movable
part arranged in a region of the gap between the airbag sections,
the movable part being displaced during a filling of the airbag and
interacting with zip fasteners on the inner sides of the two airbag
sections to connect the inner sides to each other.
20. The airbag module as claimed in claim 19, further comprising: a
strap, wherein one end of the strap is fixed on an outer side one
airbag section facing away from the gap and the other end of the
strap is fixed on an outer side of the other airbag section facing
away from the gap, and wherein the strap runs along an outer side
of the airbag, is connected to the movable part, and displaces the
movable part in a direction of the front side of the airbag during
a filling of the airbag.
Description
BACKGROUND
The present application relates generally to the field of airbag
modules.
It is known that, under certain circumstances, the deployment of an
airbag of an airbag module may be associated with risks for the
vehicle occupant being restrained in the event of an impact. There
are risks in particular for individuals who are outside a normal
sitting position on the driver or passenger seat (an "out of
position (OOP) situation"), for very small individuals sitting on
the driver seat close to the steering wheel, and for babies in
rearwardly directed child seats on the passenger seat (a "rear
facing infant seat (RFIS) situation"). There are various strategies
used to minimize the risk of injuries to such individuals or
individuals in such situations. One strategy involves what is
referred to as a low risk deployment of an airbag (LRD). Low risk
deployment is intended to minimize the risk of injuries by measures
that are already effective during the deployment of the airbag.
SUMMARY
One embodiment of the application relates to an airbag module. The
airbag module includes an airbag with two sections that can be
inflated to restrain a vehicle occupant. The inflated airbag
defines a gap that runs through the two airbag sections separating
the two sections from each other on a front side of the airbag
facing the vehicle occupant. A maximum distance between inner sides
of the airbag sections that are adjacent to the gap is dependent on
a degree the airbag is filled with the distance decreasing as the
airbag is filled. The airbag module also includes a strap at least
partially fastened to an outer skin of the airbag. The strap
includes at least a first and a second section of variable length.
The length of the first section increases or decreases to the
extent the length of the second section decreases or increases. The
length of the second section defines the maximum distance between
the inner sides of the airbag sections.
Another embodiment of the application relates to an airbag module.
The airbag module includes an airbag with two sections that can be
inflated to restrain a vehicle occupant. The inflated airbag
defines a gap that runs through the two airbag sections separating
the two airbag sections from each other on a front side of the
airbag facing the vehicle occupant. A maximum distance between
inner sides of the airbag sections that are adjacent to the gap is
dependent on a degree the airbag is filled with the distance
decreasing as the airbag is filled. The airbag module also includes
at least one strap connects the two airbag sections to each other.
Each airbag section includes an inner strap that interacts with an
outer strap that connects the two airbag sections.
Another embodiment of the application relates to an airbag module.
The airbag module includes an airbag with two sections that can be
inflated to restrain a vehicle occupant. The inflated airbag
defines a gap that runs between the two airbag sections and
separates the two airbag sections from each other on a front side
of the airbag facing the vehicle occupant. A maximum distance
between inner sides of the airbag sections that are adjacent to the
gap is dependent on a degree the airbag is filled with the distance
decreasing as the airbag is filled. The airbag module also includes
two straps. One end of one strap is fixed on an outer side of one
airbag section facing away from the gap and the other end of the
one strap is fixed on an inner side of the other airbag section
facing the gap. One end of the other strap is fixed on an outer
side of the other airbag section facing away from the gap and the
other end of the other strap is fixed on an inner side of the one
airbag section facing the gap. The two straps run between fastening
points on the outer side of the airbag sections and each strap runs
along a front region of the airbag sections that faces a vehicle
occupant.
Another embodiment of the application relates to an airbag module.
The airbag module includes an airbag with two sections that can be
inflated to restrain a vehicle occupant. The inflated airbag
defines a gap that runs between the two airbag sections separating
the two airbag sections from each other on a front side of the
airbag facing the vehicle occupant. A maximum distance between
inner sides of the airbag sections that are adjacent to the gap is
dependent on a degree the airbag is filled with the distance
decreasing as the airbag fills. The airbag module also includes a
movable part arranged in a region of the gap between the airbag
sections. The movable part is displaced during a filling of the
airbag and interacts with zip fasteners on the inner sides of the
two airbag sections to connect the inner sides to each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The application is explained in more detail below using a number of
exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures of the
drawing, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective partial cutaway view of an airbag with two
airbag sections connected to each other via a strap connected to
the airbag surface at three points according to a first exemplary
embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an airbag with two airbag sections
according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 3 shows the airbag of FIG. 1 in an initial deployment phase
according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 4 shows the airbag of FIG. 3 after complete filling of the
airbag according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 5 shows an airbag in an initial filling phase corresponding to
FIG. 3 with a strap controlling the lateral distance between the
two airbag sections defined as a closed strap connected to the
airbag at three positions according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 6 shows an airbag including two airbag sections in which the
outer surfaces of the two airbag sections face away from each other
and are connected to each other via a strap of fixed length running
through the airbag sections according to an exemplary
embodiment;
FIG. 7 shows an airbag including two straps each connected to the
outer side of one of the two airbag sections and to the inner side
of the other of the two airbag sections according to an exemplary
embodiment;
FIG. 8 shows an airbag including two mutually facing inner sides of
the two airbag sections connected to each other with a zip fastener
according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 9 shows an airbag including two airbag sections connected to
each other by inner straps that run in the airbag sections in
combination with an outer strap according to an exemplary
embodiment; and
FIG. 10 is an enlarged illustration of the airbag section of FIG. 9
according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
According to an exemplary embodiment, an airbag module may include
an airbag that has two airbag sections as described in EP 1 364 840
A1, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The
two airbag sections are connected to each other on the rear side of
the airbag, which side faces away from a vehicle occupant to be
restrained, with a single gas generator ensuring the inflation of
the two airbag sections in the event of triggering. Furthermore,
the airbag module provides a sheet-like element that bridges the
front side of the airbag and intercepts the vehicle occupant in the
event of an impact in the direction of the front side of the
airbag, not by means of the two airbag sections, but rather by the
sheet-like element. The vehicle occupant may be prevented from
penetrating completely into the gap formed between the two airbag
sections since this may result in the vehicle occupant being
subjected to a thermal loading, in particular if he comes into
contact with hot fabric parts of the airbag. According to another
exemplary embodiment, the inflated airbag forms a gap on a front
side of the airbag (facing the vehicle occupant) that runs between
the two airbag sections. The gap separates the two airbag sections
from each other on the front side of the airbag.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the airbag comprises two
airbag sections that a gap is formed between when in an inflated
state as described in WO 02/02376, which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety. During the inflation of the airbag an
occupant in an OOP situation may penetrate the forming gap and
expand the gap with a body part facing the airbag. This may prevent
a direct collision of the vehicle occupant with the airbag casing
surface that faces him.
There is a need for occupant restraint systems that permit a low
risk deployment of the airbag and reduce the risks for OOP
situations and RFIS situations. In particular, there is a need to
further optimize known airbag modules with two airbag sections that
have a gap between them on a side facing the vehicle occupant.
The present application is based on an object of providing an
airbag module (e.g., a driver module, a passenger module, etc.)
with an airbag having two sections to effectively reduce the risk
of injuries of individuals in OOP and RFIS situations with a low
risk deployment of the airbag.
The airbag module according to the application may cause the
maximum distance between the inner sides of the two airbag
sections, which are adjacent to the gap between the two airbag
sections, to be dependent on the degree the airbag is filled. The
distance may decrease as the airbag is filled. The maximum distance
between the inner sides of the airbag sections may be large or wide
in an initial filling phase of the airbag so that a person in an
OOP situation can penetrate the gap that runs between the two
airbag sections and therefore direct impact with the deploying
airbag covering may be substantially prevented and the force acting
on the vehicle occupant may be reduced. In the case of a rearwardly
directed child seat arranged on the passenger seat, the two airbag
sections can position themselves laterally around the child seat in
the initial filling phase with the force applied to the backrest
(in the direction of travel) of the child seat reduced.
As the airbag fills, the distance between the two airbag sections
or their mutually opposite inner sides decreases. Therefore a
vehicle occupant who is to be restrained interacts with the largely
or completely filled airbag strikes against a front side of the
airbag in which the gap between the two airbag sections is very
small or has virtually disappeared. An essentially closed outer
surface of the airbag interacts with and restrains the vehicle
occupant in the same manner as in the case of conventional airbags
provided with just one chamber.
In the direction of travel, the distance between the inner sides of
the two airbag sections (on a transverse axis with respect to the
direction of travel) is the distance between the left inner side of
an airbag section arranged on the right and the right inner side of
an airbag section arranged on the left.
The gap between the two airbag sections is the space that extends
between the two mutually facing fabric sections (the inner sides)
of the two airbag sections. In the initial phase of the filling of
the airbag, the gap can have a considerable extent, however, for
purposes of this application the space in the initial phase is
still referred to as a gap even when it has a relatively large
width.
In a preferred refinement of the application, the airbag module
includes a strap that is at least partially fastened to the outer
skin of the airbag and has at least a first and a second section of
variable length. The length of the first section increases or
decreases to the extent that the length of the second section
decreases or increases and the length of the second section defines
the maximum distance between the inner sides of the airbag
sections. The length of the first section increases as the airbag
is filled and the length of the second section decreases as the
airbag is filled.
The strap is preferably connected to at least a first point of the
first airbag section, to at least a second point of the other
airbag section, and to at least a third point of the airbag or to
another element of the airbag module.
In particular, it is preferable that the strap is fixed at one end
to a first fastening point of the airbag or to another element of
the airbag module. The strap is fixed at the distal end to a second
fastening point of the first airbag section. Between the fastening
points the strap deflects at a deflection point formed on the
second airbag section. The first section may is defined between the
first fastening point and the deflection point and the second
section is defined between the deflection point and the second
fastening point. The deflection point and the second fastening
point may be located on different airbag sections. The length of
the strap section between the two points defines the maximum
distance between the inner sides of the two airbag sections.
The deflection point is formed on the airbag, for example by a loop
or eyelet through which the strap extends. The strap can be
displaced in relation to the deflection point.
Preferably, the first fastening point position is essentially
unchanged after the airbag is inflated. Alternatively, the first
fastening point position is not touched by inflation of the airbag.
In both cases, when the airbag is completely inflated the position
of the two airbag sections with respect to each other is no longer
changed. The first fastening point is defined, for example, on the
module housing of the airbag module. However, the first fastening
point may also be defined on the airbag, in particular on a part of
the airbag in which the two airbag chambers converge and that is
located in the vicinity of the gas generator.
The deflection point and the second fastening point may each be
defined in a front region of the airbag sections that faces the
vehicle occupant to be restrained. This location has the advantage
that the regions of the airbag sections that face the vehicle
occupant are brought towards each other via the strap running
between the points during inflation and therefore the vehicle
occupant interacts with a relatively homogeneous surface of the
airbag in the event of a crash.
In an alternative embodiment, the strap may define a closed loop
and be connected to the airbag or to other elements of the airbag
module either via two deflection points and a fastening point or
via three deflection points. There may be a deflection point on
each of the two airbag sections.
The airbag module may include at least one strap that connects the
two airbag sections to each other. In particular, it is
advantageous that the at least one strap defines the maximum
distance between the outer side of one airbag section facing away
from the gap and the outer side of the other airbag section facing
away from the gap. The inner sides of the airbag sections are
adjacent to the gap and move toward each other the airbag is
filled.
One exemplary embodiment includes a strap, one end of which is
fixed on the outer side of one airbag section and faces away from
the gap, and the other end of which is fixed on the outer side of
the other airbag section and faces away from the gap. The strap
extends through the airbag sections. The strap preferably extends
in a tunnel-like guide through the airbag sections without coming
into contact with the interior of the airbag. As the airbag is
filled, the inner sides of the airbag sections move towards each
other while the distance between the outer sides of the airbag
sections is predetermined by the strap.
According to another exemplary embodiment, each airbag section has
an inner strap that interacts with an outer strap that connects the
two airbag sections. The inner strap is preferably guided in the
interior of the airbag by a fastening point on an inner side of the
airbag section facing the gap to an outer side of the airbag
section facing away from the gap. The inner strap is deflected at
an inner deflection device and is then connected to one end of the
outer strap. The outer strap is guided within the airbag chambers
in a fabric tube that is not connected to the interior of the
airbag chambers and therefore gas cannot escape via the fabric
tube. In each airbag chamber, one end of the inner strap, one end
of the fabric tube, and one end of the outer strap are preferably
connected to one another in a sewn together connecting region.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the two inner straps and
the outer strap are integrally formed as a single strap. The fabric
tube of each airbag chamber is preferably connected to the strap in
a gas-tight manner at an end located in the interior of the airbag
chamber.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the airbag module
includes two straps. One end of one strap is fixed at a fastening
point to the outer side of one airbag section facing away from the
gap and the other end of the strap is fixed at a fastening point on
the inner side of the other airbag section facing the gap. One end
of the other strap is fixed at a fastening point to the outer side
of the other airbag section facing away from the gap and the other
end of the other strap is fixed at a fastening point to the inner
side of the first airbag section facing the gap. The two straps run
between the respective fastening points on the outer side of the
respective airbag section and each run along the front region of
the airbag sections (facing the vehicle occupant) and therefore
during filling of the airbag the two straps are deflected and pull
the inner sides of the airbag sections against each other.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the airbag module
includes a movable part arranged in the region of the gap between
the airbag sections. The movable part is displaced during filling
of the airbag and connects the inner sides of the two airbag
sections to each other via interaction with zip-fasteners on the
inner sides. A type of zip fastener between the two airbag sections
is pulled shut when the airbag is inflated.
The airbag module preferably includes a strap with one end fixed to
the outer side of one airbag chamber and facing away from the gap
and the other end fixed to the outer side of the other airbag
chamber facing away from the gap. The strap runs along the outer
side of the airbag and is connected to the movable part and
displaces the movable part in the direction of the front side of
the airbag during filling of the airbag. During filling of the
airbag the strap is deflected and displaces the movable part.
The two airbag sections are preferably defined by two airbag
chambers that preferably converge at a rear side facing away from
the vehicle occupant.
FIG. 2 shows a passenger airbag according to an exemplary
embodiment as described in EP 1 364 840 A1, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety. An airbag 1 has two
airbag sections 11, 12 also referred to as airbag chambers. The two
airbag chambers 11, 12 are connected to each other on a side that
faces away from the vehicle occupant to be restrained (e.g., faces
the windshield) where they form a central region 13 into which the
gas from a gas generator (not illustrated) flows in the event of
triggering (e.g., due to a vehicle collision or impending vehicle
collision). Starting from the central or common region 13, the
airbag 1 defines the two airbag chambers 11, 12 (if the airbag
outer casing is in the direction of the vehicle occupant) that are
substantially separated or completely separated from each other on
the front side of the airbag 1 facing the vehicle occupant and
forming between them a gap 3. The two airbag chambers 11, 12 are
connected to each other via a sheet-like element 5 of defined
length to keep the two airbag chambers 11, 12 together in the
inflated state so there is an impact surface for a vehicle occupant
to be restrained. A similarly shaped airbag can be arranged on the
driver side in a corresponding manner.
FIG. 1 shows an airbag with two chambers 11, 12 connected to each
other via a strap 4. The strap 4 has two fastening points A, C and
a deflection point B connecting it to the airbag 1 or to the airbag
chambers 11, 12. The first fastening point A is located at that end
of the gap 3, which faces away from the vehicle occupant. The
fastening point A is not moved or is only slightly moved during
deployment of the airbag and is in a stable position after
deployment is finished. The fastening point A may be located, for
example, in the vicinity of or on the central region 13. Fastening
point A may instead be completely decoupled from the deployment of
the airbag and be fastened, for example, to the housing (not
illustrated) of the airbag module.
The deflection point B is located on the airbag chamber 12 in the
vicinity of the front side facing the vehicle occupant. The
deflection point B is defined on the inner side of the airbag
chamber 12. The second fastening point C is located on the other
airbag chamber 11 in a position corresponding to the position of
the deflection point B.
The strap 4 forms two sections 41, 42; one section extends between
the fastening point A and the deflection point B and the other
section which extends between the deflection point B and the
fastening point C. The two sections are also illustrated
schematically in FIG. 3 during initial filling of the airbag.
The maximum distance between the airbag chambers 11, 12 or the
inner sides 11b, 12b is defined by the length of the strap section
42 between the deflection point B and the second fastening point C.
The entire length of the strap 4 may be constant, however, the
length of the two sections 41, 42 changes over the course of
deployment as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.
FIG. 3 shows the airbag 1 in an initial phase of deployment. Since
the two airbag chambers 11, 12 are not yet completely filled with
gas, their extent in the direction of the vehicle occupant is
small. Accordingly, the gap 3 between the two airbag chambers 11,
12 is not very deep and the length of the strap section 41 between
the points A, B is relatively small. The length of the strap
section 42 between the points B, C is furthermore relatively large
making it possible to press or expand the two airbag chambers 11,
12 far apart radially. If during this state of the deployment a
body part of a vehicle occupant in an OOP situation comes into
contact with the airbag 1, the body part can penetrate the gap 3
that is forming. The force that the deploying airbag 1 exerts on
the vehicle occupant may be greatly reduced. In the case of a child
seat arranged directed rearwards, the two airbag chambers 11, 12
can deploy to the sides of the child seat without exerting too
strong a force on the seat shell of the child seat.
Over the course of filling the airbag 1, the airbag chambers 11, 12
are increasingly filled with gas causing the length of the strap
section 41 between the points A, B to increase and the length of
the strap section 42 between the points B, C to decrease, reducing
the lateral distance between the inner sides 11b, 12b of the two
airbag sections 11, 12 (see FIG. 4 also). If a vehicle occupant
interacts with the airbag during filling, he is provided with an
essentially planar impact surface defined by two end regions 111,
112 that face him with only a narrow gap 3 being formed between the
airbag chambers 11, 12.
The strap section 42 controls the distance between the two airbag
chambers 11, 12 and is therefore relatively long in a first section
of deployment of the airbag 1 and the inner sides 11b, 12b of the
two airbag chambers 11, 12 (and the airbag chambers themselves) are
at a large distance from each other. In the event of interaction
with a vehicle occupant the inner sides 11b, 12b can be pressed and
spread radially outward to the maximum distance apart. With
increased filling of the airbag 1 and the two airbag chambers 11,
12, the length of the strap section 42 between the points B, C
automatically decreases with the two airbag chambers 11, 12
reducing their distance apart and essentially bearing against each
other. After complete filling of the two airbag chambers 11, 12,
they are in a position with respect to each other as in the case of
the use of a sheetlike element 5 as described with reference to
FIG. 2.
The strap 4 may be, for example, a fabric strip of a material with
little elasticity. The strap 4 may preferably be of a sheet-like
design or alternatively designed as a chord.
FIGS. 5 to 8 show further configurations of an airbag 1 with two
airbag chambers 11, 12 where the maximum distance between the inner
sides is controlled by at least one strap as a function of the
state of deployment.
The configuration of FIG. 5 differs only slightly from the
configuration of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. The strap 4 defines a closed
loop and a strap section 43 additionally runs between the points C
and A. The points B and C are deflection points while point A is a
fastening point. Alternatively, all three points A, B, C may be
deflection points.
The sum of the lengths of the strap sections is generally constant.
As the two airbag chambers 11, 12 are filled the length of the
strap sections 41, 43 is increased and the length of the strap
section 42 is reduced. In turn, the maximum distance between the
inner sides 11b, 12b of the two airbag chambers 11, 12
automatically decreases during deployment. Since, a strap is
provided both for the enlarging section 41 and for the enlarging
section 43, a reduction of the distance between the inner sides
11a, 11b of the two airbag chambers 11, 12 takes place at increased
speed.
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which
the two airbag chambers 11, 12 are connected to each other via a
strap 6. Each airbag chamber 11, 12 has an outer surface 11a, 12a
that faces away from the other airbag chamber and an inner surface
11b, 12b that faces towards the other airbag chamber and is
adjacent to the gap 3. The strap 5 extends directly from a
fastening point A on one outer side 11a to a fastening point B on
the other outer side 12a. The strap 6 runs through a type of tunnel
61 in the airbag and is not connected to the interior of the
airbag.
If the two airbag chambers 11, 12 are only filled with a small
amount of gas, their inner surfaces 11b, 12b can be pressed outward
radially to a great extent at a large maximum distance. The
position of the outer surfaces 11a, 12a is predetermined by the
length of the strap 6. As the airbag fills, the two inner surfaces
11b, 12b migrate toward each other and the distance between the
inner surface is reduced.
In the configuration of FIG. 7, the airbag includes two straps 71,
72. One strap 71 has a first fastening point A on the outer side
11a of one airbag chamber 11 and a fastening point C on the inner
side 12b of the other airbag chamber 12. The other strap 72 has a
fastening point B on the inner side 11b of the airbag chamber 11
and a fastening point D on the outer side 12a of the other airbag
chamber 12. When airbag chambers 11, 12 are only filled a small
amount, the inner surfaces 11b, 12b can be pressed apart a good
distance radially. As the airbag chambers 11, 12 and the end
regions 111, 112 are filled the straps 71, 72 around the regions
111, 112 are directed downward and deflected. As a result, the
inner surfaces 11b, 12b are brought closer to each other and the
width of the gap 3 is reduced.
FIG. 8 shows a configuration in which a strap 9 is directed from a
fastening point A on one outer side 11A of the airbag chamber 11
via a displaceable or moveable part 10 to a fastening point B on
the outer side 12a of the airbag chamber 12.
The displaceable part 10 is part of a type of zip fastener device
20 that extends between the inner sides 11b, 12b of the two airbag
chambers 11, 12 and is illustrated schematically in FIG. 8. The zip
fastener device 20 may include two straps sewn to the inner sides
11b, 12b of the airbag chambers 11, 12 and about which a ring (not
illustrated) is arranged. The ring may be the displaceable part
10.
During deployment of the two airbag chambers 11, 12, the
displaceable part 10 is displaced downward due to the enlarging end
regions 111, 121 and the associated deflection of the strap 7. As a
result, the "zip fastener" is tightened and the two airbag chambers
11, 12 are brought closer to each other.
A "zip fastener device" is not necessarily defined as a device with
elements that engage one another in a form-fitting manner.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9, a combination of inner and
outer straps 50, 60, 70 is provided for connecting the two airbag
chambers 11, 12. The airbag chamber 11 includes an inner strap 60
(e.g., a strap running in the interior of the airbag chamber), a
deflection loop or an encircling ring 62, and an inner fabric tube
64. The other airbag chamber 12 likewise includes an inner strap
70, a deflection loop or a deflection ring 72, and an inner fabric
tube 74. The outer strap 50 extends in the two fabric tubes 64, 74
and beyond the gap 3. This is explained in more detail with
reference to the enlarged illustration of FIG. 10 of the airbag
chamber 11. The exemplary embodiments apply for the other airbag
chamber 12.
The inner strap 60 is connected to the airbag chamber 11 on the
inner side 11b that faces the gap 3, for example via a seam 61. The
seam 61 defines a fastening point A for the inner strap 60. The
inner strap 60 runs from the fastening point A in the interior for
the airbag chamber 11 in the direction of the outer side 11a, which
faces away from the other airbag chamber 12, and is deflected by
means of a deflection loop 62, for example a fabric loop 62. The
deflection loop 62 is fastened in the interior of the airbag
chamber 11 such that the deflection takes place in the interior of
the airbag chamber 11.
The deflected end of the inner strap 60 is sewn in a connecting
region 63 to the end of the fabric tube 64. The fabric tube 64
defines a type of tunnel for the outer strap 50 and is not in
communication with the interior of the airbag chamber 11, i.e. gas
cannot flow either out of the airbag chamber 11 into the fabric
tube 64 nor out of the fabric tube 64 into the airbag chamber 11.
The fabric tube 64 is, for example, an inwardly inverted snout-like
formation.
One end of the outer strap 50 is sewn in the sewn connecting region
63 between one end of the inner strap 60 and one end of the fabric
tube 64 defining a fastening point B for the outer strap 50. The
strap 50 extends from the fastening point B through the fabric tube
64 and emerges from the fabric tube 64 at the opening 65 thereof
and from the left airbag chamber 11. According to FIG. 9, the strap
50 bridges the gap 3, enters via the inlet opening of the fabric
tube 74 of the other airbag chamber 12 into the fabric tube 74, and
is sewn in a corresponding manner at a fastening point C to one end
of the inner strap 70 and to one end of the fabric tube 74 of the
airbag chamber 12. The other end of the inner strap 70 is connected
to the inner side 12b of the airbag chamber 12 at a fastening point
D.
As long as the two airbag chambers 11, 12 are filled with only a
small amount of gas, their inner sides 11b, 12b can be pressed
radially outward to a great extent such that they are at a large
maximum distance. Since the fastening points A, D are displaced
radially outward in relation to the position illustrated in FIG. 9,
the strap 50 has less tension making it possible for the outer
surfaces 11a, 12a to be able to move outward somewhat upon an
impact of an occupant or upon the occupant being struck by the
airbag. Therefore a body part of a vehicle occupant in an OOP
situation can penetrate into the forming gap 3 and the force
exerted on the vehicle occupant by the deploying airbag may be
reduced.
As the airbag deploys and fills, the two inner surfaces 11b, 12b
and the fastening points A, D move radially inward and the outer
strap 50 is tensioned. In the deployed state with the outer strap
50 tensioned the sum of the lengths of the inner straps 60, 70 and
of the outer strap 50 defines the maximum distance between the
outer surfaces 11a, 12a of the airbag chambers 11, 12. The distance
between the inner surfaces 11b, 12b is reduced in relation to the
starting position. Due to a maximum distance between the outer
surfaces 11a, 12a (predetermined by the straps 50, 60, 70),
deployment takes place with a reduced distance between the inner
surfaces 11b, 12b.
In the case of the configuration of FIG. 6 and in the configuration
of FIGS. 9 and 10 it is noted that if a body part of a vehicle
occupant comes into contact with the airbag the respective straps
are automatically tensioned since the two airbag chambers 11, 12
are pressed apart or expanded upon impact. The automatic tensioning
may prevent the two airbag chambers 11, 12 from being pressed too
far apart while the chamber 12 still exerts a restraining function
even in the OOP situation and with little filling.
According to another exemplary embodiment, in a modification of the
embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, the two inner straps 60, 70 and the
outer strap 50 may be a single strap, i.e. are of an integrally
formed design. The integral strap runs between the points A and D
and is deflected at the deflection loops 62, 72. The integral strap
runs completely through the two fabric tubes 64, 74. The fabric
tubes 64, 74 are connected in the region of the fastening points B,
C to the strap in a gas-tight manner and in particular are sewn in
a gas-tight manner.
In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 10, the maximum distance
of the inner sides 11b, 12b is dependent on the degree the airbag
is filled. The distance decreases as the airbag is filled. Even at
the maximum distance, the inner surfaces 11b, 12b are situated
relatively close to each other, for example at the beginning of
deployment. Upon interaction with an occupant in an OOP situation
or a baby seat, the inner sides may move apart from each other and
the airbag sections may expand. The moving away of the inner sides
from each other may be ended when the inner sides reach the maximum
distance. The maximum distance changes as a function of the degree
the airbag is filled.
Germany Priority Application 202005013604.2, filed Aug. 25, 2005
including the specification, drawings, claims and abstract, is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Germany Priority
Application 102006011058.7, filed Mar. 8, 2006 including the
specification, drawings, claims and abstract, is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
Given the disclosure of the application, one versed in the art
would appreciate that there may be other embodiments and
modifications within the scope and spirit of the application.
Accordingly, all modifications attainable by one versed in the art
from the present disclosure within the scope and spirit of the
present application are to be included as further embodiments of
the present application. The scope of the present application is to
be defined as set forth in the following claims.
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